I have a question

[LufkinMike]

Do you guys and gals think that since the economy is down there will be less charter bookings therefore you might find more bookings open later in the year?
I will not find out until the middle of July whether or not I can make it up there this year.we are looking at Seward and Homer

Thanks

Mike

 

[alaskanfishguides]

Maybe

Maybe

Presently bookings are way down for most everybody. I think folks are simply in a wait and see mode. I am expecting that July will book but I also believe that you will be able to find a charter, albiet maybe not a reputable or popular service, but you should be able to find something.

Cheers

 

[CanCanCase]

In areas like SC where the larger boats book up, yes, bookings will be down. In areas like SE where there are only 6-packs (and smaller operations), you'll just see less boats available in general. Easily 1/3 of the Juneau fleet won't be operating this year due to economy, being regulated out of business, or (in my case) just losing interest in sharing the adventures with other folks...

It's not fun to help others anymore, so I'm taking my toys and going to play with myself... ahem!

-Case

 

[SEOceanking]

I love charters!

I love charters!

I love the charter guys. Have several friends that run all summer.

BUT.......

Am I evil for thinking this is good news? Will I be able to call my buds this summer after I find the bite and not have the charter boys come run me over?!?!?! I doubt it! Waterfall will come surround you with 20 boats if they see you lift a net!

I am all for sharing and I certainly don't own the ocean but their is something upsetting about being 1/2 mile away from anyone, hooking up and suddenly having 15-20 boats close enough to you that you can smell their cigarette smoke!

Live long and catch big fish!! (Spock to Kirk In Star Trek episode 79)

Ok I made that up but it is something Spock would (could) Say! Remember the new Star Trek Movie Comes out in May!

H

 

[CanCanCase]

One of the proposals up before the State regarding the Charter Limited Entry Program that they keep tabling and tossing out is that guides should be residents with at least some degree of experience.

I see way too many lodge guides and charters skippered by younger kids from out of state... decent money (with tips) for summer's work. These are the guys who each shoot 1 hole in their boat dispatching halibut, and who don't know how to find their own fishing spots when everyone's looking for fish.

Of course, there is a flip side to that argument too... how many times have I been followed by a dozen or more private boats just because I have my green guide stickers on display? Hundreds...

The really good guides will only join a crowded "hot" area either at their clients' request or as a last resort if there truly aren't fish out there. I've had many days when my guests came back with a few larger quality fish because we didn't fish with the pack... For some guides (Juneau Sportfishing comes to mind!) it's all about the numbers of fish landed. For the rest of us, it's about the quality experience the clients get to have.

-Case

I love the charter guys. Have several friends that run all summer.

BUT.......

Am I evil for thinking this is good news? Will I be able to call my buds this summer after I find the bite and not have the charter boys come run me over?!?!?! I doubt it! Waterfall will come surround you with 20 boats if they see you lift a net!

I am all for sharing and I certainly don't own the ocean but their is something upsetting about being 1/2 mile away from anyone, hooking up and suddenly having 15-20 boats close enough to you that you can smell their cigarette smoke!

Live long and catch big fish!! (Spock to Kirk In Star Trek episode 79)

Ok I made that up but it is something Spock would (could) Say! Remember the new Star Trek Movie Comes out in May!

H

 

[AKCAPT]

Less boats on the water

Less boats on the water

In Seward, I know the fleet is going to see about 80 less seats available this summer from people getting out of the business or sending their boats elsewhere. About 1/3 reduction.

You will be able to find a charter on short notice this summer. I suspect that the newer entrants that are trying to make a go of it will be sitting around just waiting for your phone call.

Case, Sorry to hear you hung up your rolaids and got out of the business. IF you know someone who has a decent boat and tries hard in Juneau, please PM me and let me know. I get a dozen or so inquires for that area every year.

 

[elim]

Do you guys see a lot of charters selling out this year?Getting rid of their boats and gear if they want to or not.

 

[CanCanCase]

I don't think there's a market flood of used boats and gear coming if that's what you're getting at. At least here in SE, since all sportfish charters are 6-packs, most of us keep our boats for personal use and play as well as for charter service.

-Case

 

[FISHFACE]

In Seward, I know the fleet is going to see about 80 less seats available this summer from people getting out of the business or sending their boats elsewhere. About 1/3 reduction.

You will be able to find a charter on short notice this summer. I suspect that the newer entrants that are trying to make a go of it will be sitting around just waiting for your phone call.

Case, Sorry to hear you hung up your rolaids and got out of the business. IF you know someone who has a decent boat and tries hard in Juneau, please PM me and let me know. I get a dozen or so inquires for that area every year.

I was wondering what that actual number was going to be. Do you think you or better yet I will see any change in numbers (fish) with the less "daily" fishing pressure? thanks, Andy

 

[CanCanCase]

I was wondering what that actual number was going to be. Do you think you or better yet I will see any change in numbers (fish) with the less "daily" fishing pressure? thanks, Andy

More fish available because of less fishing pressure? Nope. That's the big joke that's been played on sportsmen everywhere. The fish being "left in the ocean" due to the 1-fish rule or lack of charters available aren't really "left in the ocean"... they're available for harvest by the commercial fleet which is FAR more efficient than you or I at taking them.

-Case

 

[FISHFACE]

makes sense.